TV fans are worried that Cartoon Network will close its doors after #RIPCartoonNetwork trended on social media.
Animation Workers Ignited, which is apparently affiliated with the animators’ union, went to X to raise awareness about issues in the animation industry and encouraged cartoon fans to “spread the word about what’s at stake.”
The account asked its followers to “post about their favorite Cartoon Network shows using the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork,” sparking fears that the beloved brand would soon make an official announcement about a studio closure.
Rumors of an official closure grew stronger when fans began sharing a photo of the network’s old headquarters, reportedly taken last year after the company relocated.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that the Cartoon Network channel or Cartoon Network Studios – which have canceled a number of programs following the pandemic – are closing.
Animation Workers Ignited, which is ostensibly affiliated with the animators’ union, took to X to raise awareness about issues in the animation industry, asking its followers to “post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows using the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork,” sparking fears that the beloved brand would soon make a formal announcement about a studio closure
Rumors of an official closure grew stronger when fans began sharing a photo of the network’s old headquarters, which was reportedly taken last year after the company relocated its offices
Animation Workers Ignited’s latest post seems aimed at highlighting the issues facing the animation industry as a whole, including layoffs and canceled projects.
But the wording in the now-viral post and accompanying animated film sparked rumors that Cartoon Network would shut down.
“Cartoon Network is effectively dead,” the animated video claimed, warning that “other major animation studios are not far behind.”
The video also discussed layoffs in the animation industry, claiming that workers are unemployed in “record numbers” and that “many have been out of work for more than a year.”
The union’s statement stated that animators also had to “carry the industry during the pandemic,” but despite their hard work, studio executives continued to lay them off.
“When COVID first hit, animation was able to operate entirely remotely, making it one of the few forms of entertainment that could continue to produce uninterrupted,” the union said. “But studios decided to pay them back by canceling projects, outsourcing jobs and laying off artists en masse.”
The union also criticized the studios for their “greed,” saying executives “made the finances look better by cutting expenses and laying off workers.”
“CEOs and executives are reaping the financial rewards for themselves. So they want to reap, right? I’ll show them. Reap,” the union said before launching its call to action.
‘I don’t think a plastic sigh will do much for you, but you can help by spreading the word about your favorite Cartoon Network shows that you wish still existed using the hashtag RIP Cartoon Network and stay tuned for more ways to help tag by following this account. Animation is under attack. Whose side are you on?’
Cartoon Network fans rallied behind the union’s call, posting messages with clips from their favorite shows and using #RIPCartoonNetwork. But they went too far, spreading the story that the network would no longer produce content
Cartoon Network fans rallied behind the union’s call, posting messages featuring clips from their favorite shows and using the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork.
But they went too far and claimed the network would no longer produce content.
“It’s the end of an era, Cartoon Network has officially closed,” one fan tweeted. “Here are all the shows that made our childhood.”
“Cartoon Network must be saved at all costs!!!,” wrote one X user.
Another said: ‘It really is the end of the era of Cartoon Network’s iconic childhood memories.’
Some fans even began sharing a photo of Cartoon Network’s Burbank headquarters with the CN logo removed, saying they were “sad to see the most iconic building from everyone’s childhood” closed.
However, the photo was actually taken last year, after Carton Network’s long-term lease on the Hollywood Production Center building expired, 80LV reported. The company subsequently moved its team and operations to Warner Bros. facilities.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Warner Bros. for comment.